Two weeks ago it rained, and the Bairnsdale store market was much smaller, however, rainfall was generally lighter than predicted, and it has since remained dry.
This combination created a much larger store market at Bairnsdale, Friday, with agents offering 2200 head, after advertising 1000 cattle, albeit a week prior to market.
Supply came mostly from local districts and further east, but there were a few vendors from the Monaro, who continue to seek better pastures to sell their stock.
Quality was very mixed with the larger percentage of the offering being in plainer condition, and more of the yarding were lighter-weight cattle.
Cows and calves were well supplied as producers continue to destock their herds.
Competition improved with a couple of northern orders via commission buyers.
However, buyers of feeder steers were not as active, and this was reflected in the price of yearling steers in particular.
Some of these sales were quoted being up to $80 a head cheaper, although some of this was due to plainer quality.
Yearling steers sold mostly to bullock fatteners, generally from $1200-$1700, the latter being for heavier bullocks, from N Steel, Bengworden.
These particular bullocks equaled 290 cents a kilogram liveweight, which was better than fat prices.
Demand for a good penning of weaned steers saw prices range between $820-$1090, which was firm to dearer.
Lighter weight, and younger steers mostly sold from $500-$750.
Only a few heifers were purchased for grain feeding, with yearling Charolais heifers selling for $960.
Top of the yearling heifers was a pen that made $1035.
Better quality weaned heifers sold from $650-$815, which was dearer in places, due in part to better quality.
Agents quoted dearer prices for many of the weaned heifers, which helped particularly for the lighter weight heifers, selling mostly between $450-$600.
Quality of the 160 cows and calves varied; prices for poor condition cows and calves started at $720, while the best, some with older calves, reached $1360.
